NORFOLK, Va. – Old Dominion University football completed their 11th day of practice Thursday morning at the L.R. Hill Sports Complex Practice Field.

ODUSports.com is taking a closer look at this year’s team. Today we take a look at junior, Chris Smith.

When did you start playing football and what got you involved? I started playing football when I was seven in the second grade. I just started assessing which sports I liked.

What other sports did you play? Baseball, basketball and rugby in high school.

Who is your role model? My grandpa, he was the only father figure I had growing up so his presence meant the most.

Who is your favorite athlete? Patrick Willis

What is your favorite football memory? Mysenior year of high school I got to play quarterback, I ran the ball 50 yards down to the one-yard line.

Why ODU? The coaching staff played a huge role, and I love the winning atmosphere that the program has.

What is the biggest difference between junior college and ODU? It’s more organized here, faster paced, and Old Dominion brings more one-on-one coaching.

How was your transition into the university since your arrival in January? The time change coming from California was hard, I had to get used to that. School wise, it’s pretty much the same.

What was your recruiting visit to ODU like? I came to visit during the first playoff game and the stadium was extremely packed. I have never played in front of such a big crowd, so that got to me, and the overall excitement was inspiring.

What was your summer like? I had to get used to the humidity, we did not have much of that back home. So adjusting to the heat and humidity as well as building stamina was basically the focus of my summer.

How exciting is the transition to FBS and Conference USA? The talent level is higher and everything is much bigger now.

What do you enjoy the most about playing Defensive Line? It’s one-on-one, trying to beat the offensive lineman, one man against another man trying to overtake someone.

Favorite sport other than football? Rugby

Favorite movie? Friday

Favorite food? Pizza

Favorite sports team? San Francisco 49’ers

Favorite part about living in the Hampton Roads area? The beach, I really like the beach.

If you could play any position in any other sport, what would it be? Third base, in baseball. That’s what I played when I played baseball when I was younger.

September 14 vs. Howard, what do you look forward to the most playing at home for the first time? I will be really nervous, but all the adrenaline and all of the excitement going around will have me ready to play here at home for the first time.

What’s your major? Criminal Justice, I plan to go back home and join the San Jose Police Department.